Louisiana Man Claims $97 Million Powerball Jackpot from January!
After nearly four months of keeping a secret, 73-year-old Carl Hunter of Metairie claimed the $97 million Powerball jackpot from the Jan. 16 drawing at Louisiana Lottery headquarters. His prize was the largest single amount won in the Louisiana Lottery’s history.

The owner of a construction company, Hunter wanted to make sure his outstanding jobs were complete before “closing up shop” to redeem his winning ticket. He said he plans to use his winnings to retire, travel and rebuild a camp he lost during Hurricane Katrina. Hunter was picking up a gallon of milk for his wife when he decided to also purchase one Powerball “quick pick” at West Metairie Shell on West Metairie Avenue in Metairie.

“There was a person in line in front of me and behind me also purchasing tickets for the drawing. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” described Hunter, surprised and humble. Hunter chose the one-time cash payment option, which was $48,478,863.